Nigerian Government has announced that it is in the process of finalising emergency evacuation plans for Nigerian citizens who are currently stranded in Israel and Iran due to the recent escalation of hostilities between the two countries.
Gatekeepers News reports that a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa on Tuesday night, confirms that Nigerian embassies in Tel Aviv and Tehran are actively reaching out to affected citizens. These embassies are coordinating efforts to facilitate a safe return for those in vulnerable situations.
Nigerians located in the impacted regions have been urged to follow local security protocols strictly and to contact the nearest Nigerian Embassy or Mission for registration and further guidance.
The Ministry has expressed appreciation for the dedication of diplomatic staff in both countries and reassured the public of the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad. Furthermore, it highlighted ongoing collaboration with international partners and local authorities to ensure a prompt and secure evacuation process.
The statement read in part, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that following the escalation of the crisis between the State of Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Federal Government is finalising arrangements for the emergency evacuation of stranded Nigerians in both countries.
“All affected Nigerian citizens are therefore strongly advised to abide by necessary security protocols and contact the nearest Nigerian Embassy or Mission for registration and further instructions.
“The Ministry commends the efforts put in place by our Missions in Tel Aviv, Israel and Tehran, Iran for their dedication and commitment to reaching out to the Nigerian Community in these difficult times.
“We wish to assure the general public that the Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to the safety and welfare of all its citizens, both at home and abroad, and is working in close coordination with relevant international partners and local authorities to ensure the timely and secure evacuation of Nigerians in affected areas.”
In addition, FG renewed its call for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Iran, urging all parties to embrace dialogue, uphold international humanitarian law, and prioritise the protection of civilians.
The ministry reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and its longstanding support for regional and global peace.
“In the same vein, the Government of Nigeria reiterates its call for the immediate cessation of hostilities and urges all parties involved to embrace dialogue, respect international humanitarian law and prioritise the protection of civilians.
“Nigeria stands firm in its support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and reaffirms its longstanding commitment to regional and global peace and stability,” the ministry added.
Further updates on the evacuation operation will be made available through official government channels.
On Friday, Israel launched a significant air campaign targeting approximately 100 sites throughout Iran, which included both nuclear and military facilities. This operation resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian military officials.
These strikes represent one of the most considerable escalations in hostilities between Israel and Iran in recent years, prompting widespread international calls for restraint and diplomatic efforts to avert further conflict.
Among those killed were key figures such as General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s armed forces chief of staff, and Hossein Salami, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
In response to the attacks, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, characterized the Israeli strikes as a “declaration of war,” warning of a “bitter and painful” retribution for the assaults. The Iranian military further asserted that there would be “no limits” to their response.
